If you want the iPhone 5 without the contract price, we’ve got some news for you. Apple’s official website accidentally revealed the prices for the unlocked version of the iPhone 5. The 16GB model starts at $649, 32GB starts at $749, and 64GB starts at $849.
AppleInsider was the first website to spot the reveal. Unfortunately, there is no word on when we can expect the unlocked iPhone 5 to become available in the US. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) tends to release the unlocked iPhone 5 in other countries first, in order to insure extra time for phone carriers to secure contracts.
The good news is that if you already own the CDMA model from Verizon Communications Inc.(NYSE:VZ), it comes with an unlocked SIM card.
It’s been six weeks now that the iPhone 5 has been out in the market, but it may take a little longer before Apple ships their unlocked phones in the United States.
The iPhone 5 is more than just a smartphone, it’s a high-tech computer that has a lot of advanced features and technologies, which explain it’s high cost. Without a carrier contract to subsidize the cost, these smartphones cost a small fortune. Despite the fact that most iPhone shoppers purchase their unit directly through a carrier, there is still a sizeable number of users who want to buy the phone without all the obligations of a carrier. And this group doesn’t mind spending a small fortune on such a phone.
Alternatively, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) fans can purchase the iPhone 4S or iPhone 4 sans contract via Cricket Communications or Virgin Mobile. Although these phones are no substitute for the iPhone 5, they will help fill the void for now. Unfortunately, we still have no word on when Cricket or Virgin Mobile will offer the iPhone 5, although it’s likely that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will allow them to sell the phones sometime next year.
